Martin M. Miles' photos with the keyword: Louis XVI

Marseille, today the second most populous city in France, was founded around 600 BC by Greek settlers. It was known to the ancient Greeks as Massalia. There were always conflicts with the Celtic tribes that ruled Gaul. 125 BC Massalia summoned the troops of the Roman Empire for help against the attacks of Gallic tribes. During the course of the war, the entire territory of southern Gaul was annexed by the Romans as the province of Gallia Narbonensis. The city itself was able to retain its independence for several decades but in 49 BC it was finally conquered and integrated into the province of Narbonensis. At the beginning of the 5th century AD, the monastery of Saint-Victor was founded, which was to become the residence of the bishops of Marseille from 750 to 960. In 481 Marseille fell to the Visigoths, 508 to the Ostrogoths and 536 to the Franks. Destroyed by the Saracens, the city was rebuilt in the 10th century and placed under the Vicomtes de Marseille. For a few years, Marseille was an independent republic but when Charles of Anjou, brother of King Louis IX. of France, became Count of Provence, he submitted to Marseille. In 1423 Alfonso V of Aragon conquered and devastated the city. René, Count of Provence, rebuilt it and after the death of his successor, Count Charles of Maine, it became part of the French crown in 1481. Louis XVI originally wanted to build the arch, but the French Revolution of 1789 ended Louis´ life and this plan. Planning resumed in 1823 with the restoration of the Bourbons. The cornerstone was laid in 1825, but the French Revolution of 1830 (aka "Trois Glorieuses"), caused further delays, so it was finally completed in 1839.

The restaurant "le Cheval Rouge" is well worth a little detour or an overnight stay (in case you´ll have wine with your meal). I had learned that "pied de cochon" (= pig's trotter) is a speciality in Sainte-Menehould. So I tried it. It is quite good, though it looks - strange. - hen I was nibbling the meat off the bones, I thought of Louis XVI. When he tried to escape the Revolution in 1792, he and Marie-Antoinette were recognized in Sainte-Menehould by the local postmaster. The end is known. - Nems de pied de porc et chevre frais www.lechevalrouge.com/index.php

The "Tour St. Martin" was part of the parish church Saint-Martin, that got destroyed during the during the Wars of Religion in 1573. After having smashed the naves - it may have seemed too laborious for the Huguenot troops, to tear down the massive tower as well. To the right a corner of the former abbey is to be seen. Following a leaflet, the abbey was founded in 754 by Pepin I of Aquitaine, what is hard to believe, as Louis the Pious´ son, was born about 4 decades later. The buildings of today were built after the monastery was burned down 1573, when St. Martin got destroyed as well. Now the spacious complex is named "l'abbaye-école de Sorèze", as Louis XVI founded a military school here in 1776, that existed upto 1991. The buildings now host a museum, a cutural center, the tourist office - and a very interesting hotel, in which I did not stay overnight. Next time.. Here are the websites: www.abbayeecoledesoreze.com/ hotels-francepatrimoine.fr/hotel/abbaye-ecole-de-soreze